In a poetic stroke of urban symbolism, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, choosing an abandoned subway station as the backdrop for his transformative inauguration.

The 34-year-old Democratic socialist made history in a private ceremony conducted by New York Attorney General Letitia James, becoming the city's first Muslim mayor and its first leader of South Asian descent. The Old City Hall subway station—a forgotten piece of New York's architectural past—served as a powerful metaphor for renewal and potential.

Mamdani's public inauguration is set for Thursday at 1 p.m. at City Hall, where U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the official oath. The event will be livestreamed by CBS News New York and accompanied by a vibrant block party in Lower Manhattan from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., requiring attendees to RSVP online.

The celebration, dubbed the "Inauguration of a New Era," will unfold along the historic "Canyon of Heroes" on Broadway—a route famous for ticker-tape parades honoring athletes, astronauts, and city legends. Mamdani's transition team promises a dynamic event featuring music, performances, and interfaith elements that reflect the city's diverse spirit.

Photographer Amanda Briggs captured the anticipation, noting Mamdani's unique ability to connect with New Yorkers: "I think there is really going to be a lot of energy. He has really been able to create connections to so many different New Yorkers."

As part of his transition, Mamdani has already appointed five high-ranking officials, including Kamar Samuels as the new city schools chancellor, signaling a proactive approach to leadership and institutional change.

The inauguration is expected to draw significant national and international media attention, symbolizing a potential watershed moment in New York City's political landscape.